That Phuket boasts sunny and inviting weather for most of the year is a fact well known to local expat residents and to tourists who frequently holiday on this island paradise. The pleasures of sun and fun on the beach are often followed by other venues offering conditions of a cool and refreshing ambience that hold a climate of warm enthusiasm.

The newly opened Rain-Hail is a restaurant and lounge in Bang Tao that is fast becoming Phuket’s place to see and be seen. Where Rain hosts a sumptuous meal of a Pacific Rim cuisine in either indoor air conditioned and white washed finishings or outside under the rooftop, Hail offers cool evening beginnings and hot finishes in the heat of the night in a creative setting of art and music not to mention innovative cocktails injected with Japanese flavours. A minimalist yet refreshing architecture captures the spirit of these two adjoining buildings with a pool separating them. Whereas Rain evokes a sense of warmth and refinement, Hail generates energy and intensity where creativity and enthusiasm flourish in a modern design. It’s all in a name? Inclement weather is never apparent in this alter ego relationship.

Happy Hour until 8 pm receives a special nod at Hail with innovative cocktails containing the Japanese beverage Sochutini, which lends is name to creations such as Melon and Mint Sochutini, Lychee Sochutini and Saketini. Delights to enjoy early evenings for only 150 Baht!

Dinner at Rain similiarily offers a Japanese twist to their array of international items. The Togarashi spiced blue-fin tuna, with wakame seaweed, crispy futomaki and emulsions was not only elegant in its presentation but also a light and savoury dish. Equally as appealing is the Seafood tasting plate for two, an appetiser of Rain prawn cocktail, sautéed squid, oysters two ways and swordfish carpaccio as well as the Seared scallops with cauliflower purée with smoked breast and truffle. Subtle spices highlighting the flavour and varying textures make for a unique and welcoming combination of these seafood items. The Coconut braised oxtail with red curry and crispy onion salad comes highly recommended with Thai flavours complementing this traditional western favourite.

The Lemongrass crème brulée with pineapple salsa and apple margarita and the Coconut and vanilla pannacotta, strawberry soup, rambutan and basil are delights to follow this superb meal.

With first-rate food, exquisite cocktails in a setting of sophisticated design, Rain-Hail is a discerning venue to savour. Come meet the ‘in crowd’ and get a taste of the fine weather!